FG Enforces Age Limit for NECO, WAEC Exams: Under-18s Barred from Participation

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a new policy barring students under the age of 18 from participating in the National Examinations Council (NECO) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams.

This decision was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a recent television appearance. Prof. Mamman stated that both WAEC, responsible for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and NECO, which conducts the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), have been directed to enforce the age requirement starting from the next examination cycle.

The Minister emphasized that this age limit is not a new policy but rather a reinforcement of existing guidelines. He also clarified that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will continue to uphold the 18-year age requirement for candidates applying to universities in Nigeria.

Prof. Mamman explained that the policy aligns with the standard educational timeline, where students are typically 17 and a half years old upon completing their secondary education. The government aims to ensure that only students who have spent the requisite number of years in school are eligible to sit for these crucial examinations.

This move has sparked discussions among parents and educators, as the government seeks to maintain standards and improve the quality of education in the country.